The game is specifically designed for trial and error. Developers expect players to retry segments multiple times.
William can swap between different weapons in real-time. He starts with the katana. Other weapons include a spear. Every weapon has their own traits to differentiate from the other.
A stamina meter limits the number of actions that can be preformed at a time.
Armor can be found and equipped. It customizes William's appearance.
Spiritual energy drops from fallen foes. These spirits can fortify William. (Hi, Dark Souls)
Shrines are scattered across the map. Players can access these points to level up William. (Just like Dark Souls, too)
If players are connected online, they can revive other fallen players when they see a red glowing sword in the ground. This is where other players have died. (To battle against, they drop good loot)